Southington man, charged in abuse case, unexpectedly taken into custody during arraignment

SOUTHINGTON - A Southington man accused of inadequately caring for a woman, leaving her in her own waste and without food, was unexpectedly taken into custody on Monday when he faced a judge.

Michael Flaherty, 47, of 500 Pleasant St., was taken into custody by judicial marshals, in Bristol Superior Court, after the issuance of a capias - meaning he failed to comply with a judge’s orders in connection with a civil matter.

According to judicial records, Flaherty in 2012 was divorced. The proceedings, records indicate, involved the paying of child support.

During Flaherty’s brief hearing on Monday, he said he is trying to get a lawyer to represent him for the criminal charges he is facing: third-degree abuse and intentional cruelty to persons.

According to police, Flaherty was the power of attorney for a bedridden woman in July, when he allegedly left her without food for what police called “an extended period of time.” She was found lying in her own feces and urine, police allege.

Flaherty was not charged in the case until Feb. 15. Monday was his first court appearance on the matter. He did not enter a plea.

Flaherty is due back in court on March 22, when he has been asked to bring financial documents to determine if he would qualify for representation from a public defender.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.